There’s a new man at the helm of the Red Deer Public School board.

Trustee Lawrence Lee has been elected as board chair and trustee Bev Manning will continue in her role as vice chair.

Lee has served six years on the board, and was recently re-elected to his third term as trustee. He said he’s looking forward to taking on the new leadership role. He’s taking over from Bill Stuebing who has been on the board for the past 15 years, and served as chair for the last six.

“We have an excellent and experienced board whose first priority is meeting the needs of all students in our community,” said Lee. “I would like to thank Dr. Bill Stuebing for his many strategic contributions to our district and for his past guidance. I am also delighted to continue to benefit from Bev Manning’s extensive experience in her continued role as vice chair.

As to taking on the new post, Lee said he was honoured to serve as board chair and is looking forward to providing leadership “in a time that will see significant changes in education. We also face some significant facility needs.”

Lee also said the provincial government plans on introducing a new Education Act in the spring.

“It is vital that locally elected school boards are able to meet the hopes and aspirations of our community through our public education system. We are at a very important time for education in this province and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees along with parents, our staff and the community in providing a strong voice for public school education,” said Lee, who is operations manager with Doctor’s Eyecare Network.

Manning who has served 15 years on the board continues as vice chair, a role she has held for the last six years.

“I am proud of the role trustees play in our education system. Red Deer Public has so much to be proud of and the board looks forward to building on our strengths to provide the best learning opportunities for our children,” said Manning, who is a graphic designer with Copies Now.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bill Stuebing said he has been honoured to serve as board chair and has

appreciated the opportunities and challenges that have surfaced over the years.

“I was pleased to provide a strong voice for our district, with my first priority always being what is in the best interest of students,” he said. “I look forward to continued opportunities to contribute to further strengthening Red Deer Public Schools,” said Stuebing, who is a sociology instructor at Red Deer College.

-Weber